The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) released its response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) March 20 letter today (April 21). The letter recommended that RITBA conduct a risk assessment on the Newport Pell Bridge and requested a response within 30 days.
Newport Pell Bridge among 68 U.S. bridges flagged by NTSB for Vessel Strike Risk Assessment
RITBA says that it has engaged an engineering firm to begin initial tasks associated with a risk assessment.
NTSB made its recommendation following its investigation into the vessel strike that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
“After the container vessel collided with the Key Bridge, we immediately convened a group of stakeholders and examined the risk of a vessel strike to the Newport Pell Bridge,” said Lori Caron Silveira, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority. “Our research indicates that the vessels navigating the area are smaller than the container vessel involved in the Key Bridge incident. Furthermore, existing pilot practices, navigational controls, and the design and construction of the main Pell Bridge piers, which extend approximately 100 to 150 feet below mean high water, constitute additional protective factors.”
Both letters can be seen below.
